Word Origin & History

powder late 13c., from O.Fr. poudre (13c.), earlier pouldre (11c.), from L. pulverem (nom. pulvis) "dust" (see pollen). In the sense "powdered cosmetic," it is recorded from 1570s. In figurative sense, powder keg is first attested 1855. Powder room, euphemistic for "women's lavatory," is attested from 1941. Powder puff first recorded 1704; as a symbol of femaleness or effeminacy, in use from at least 1930s. Phrase take a powder "scram, vanish," is from 1920, perhaps from the notion of taking a laxative medicine, so one has to leave in a hurry; or from a magician's magical powder, which made things

Example Sentences for powder

In the bowl was a deep blue powder, made finer and finer with each grind of the pestle.

Consumer demand for chocolate-which is derived from cocoa powder made from the seeds of the cacao tree-is on the rise.

Glaciers grind bedrock into a powder, with a consistency similar to flour, which is lifted into the air by winds.

The researchers say the ochre was probably rubbed on quartzite slabs to create a fine powder.

Sintering is the process of turning powder into solid using heat, but without liquefaction.

Leave the motor for a few seconds too long and the cubes are pulverized into a fine powder.

Sprinkle baking powder over center of dough, then gather edges of dough and pinch to seal in baking powder.

Sprinkle that powder into cookie dough, add some to rice as you cook it, or even rub it on chicken before roasting.

Most desserts called frozen yogurt are made by mixing powder, milk and sugar.

After the proper brining and aging process, it grates into a fine powder.